Uganda Country Director Willie Salmond with kids at the Ariel Children's Camp.

Dear Friend,

I am writing from the Wild Life Centre in Entebbe, Uganda, where I have gathered with camp counselors, Foundation staff members, and 35 children between the ages of 12 and 18. We're here for our third Ariel Children's Camp -- a week-long camp for children living with HIV. The camp is named for Elizabeth Glaser's daughter, Ariel, who passed away from AIDS-related illnesses in 1988. (Read about last year's camp.)

There are many wonderful parts of my job as country director for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation in Uganda. But this week is perhaps the most wonderful part of all. It's a week when children living with HIV get to run and play, to go on field trips, to sing and dance, to do art projects, and to talk freely about life with HIV. Perhaps best of all, the children can laugh, smile, and just be themselves. It's my favorite time of the year.

Throughout the week, we will post updates about our activities at camp, which will include volleyball games, a camper talent show, a lion feeding, a visit to a chimpanzee island, and many other surprises. Please visit www.pedaids.org/arielcamp for stories of our adventures, including photos and updates from the children.

For each and every child here, Ariel Children's Camp is the opportunity of a lifetime. Don't miss your chance to share it with them!

Sincerely,

Willie Salmond
Uganda Country Director
Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
http://www.pedaids.org